There are several testing options for obstructive CAD, but which test is right for you? Review your options and talk with your healthcare provider. Together you can determine the right care plan for you.

The only sex-specific blood test that takes into account the cardiovascular differences between women and men to help doctors rule out obstructive CAD.

Type of Test: Blood draw

Time to Administer Test: Less than 5 min

Risks and Side Effects: Possible discomfort and bruising at needle entry

Usage: Can help your doctor rule out CAD as the cause of your symptoms without additional testing; effective testing option for women and men

ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (EKG)

Measures the heart's electrical activity. Small electrodes are placed on the chest while lying down or during a stress test.

Type of Test: Nonsurgical electrical heart monitoring

Time to Administer Test: Less than 30 min

Risks and Side Effects: Possible skin rash where electrodes are placed. In women, an EKG may be less reliable for diagnosing heart disease because of the way the heart membrane recovers after electronic impulses pass through it.1

Usage: Evaluates heart performance and related symptoms; can evaluate heart during and without stress

EXERCISE STRESS TEST

Exercise test conducted on a treadmill (or stationary bike) to determine how the heart handles stress.

Type of Test: Nonsurgical electrical heart monitoring

Time to Administer Test: Less than 30 min

Risks and Side Effects: Possible skin rash where electrodes are placed; temporary drop in blood pressure. Very rarely, the test could cause a heart attack. Note: Due to estrogen's effect on heart muscle cells, a woman's menstrual cycle and birth control use can lead to abnormal results.1

Usage: Evaluates performance of the heart while it is under stress; looks for signs that the heart isn't getting enough blood flow during exercise

NUCLEAR STRESS TEST

Test that utilizes exercise or medications to stress your heart; pictures are taken while your heart is under stress and at rest; uses an injection of dye for picture clarity.

Type of Test: Nonsurgical electrical heart monitoring while heart is both at rest and under stress

Time to Administer Test: More than 4 hrs

Risks and Side Effects: Exposure to radiation; possible allergic reaction to the dye. Very rarely, the test could cause a heart attack. Note: Due to a woman's breast tissue and other soft tissue, unclear images may appear with the test.

Usage: Similar to a routine exercise stress test, but provides images that can show areas of low blood flow throughout the heart and areas of damaged heart muscle